What role did state conventions assume by 1787?

By 1787, state conventions had taken on the crucial role of ratifying the Constitution of the United States. This marked a significant moment in American history, as the framers of the Constitution recognized that in order to enact the new framework of government they had devised, it would require the approval of the states.

The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, produced a draft of the new Constitution, which then needed to be sent to the individual states for consideration. The framers believed that a convention composed of delegates elected by the people of each state was the most legitimate way to assess and ultimately ratify the proposed Constitution. The outcome of these state conventions was critical, as at least nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to be enacted.

While the other choices reflect important aspects of governance, they do not accurately capture the specific function of state conventions during this pivotal period. Options referring to regular law revision, election oversight, and the gathering of public opinion do not pertain directly to the primary focus of state conventions in 1787, which was centered on the ratification process for the federal Constitution.